Self-diagnosing mental health issues is a growing trend fuelled by the accessibility of online resources, increasing mental health awareness and social media. For example, one study of 100 TikTok videos with the hash tag #mental health showed that the videos had 1.354 billion views. However, the practice of self-diagnosis carries significant risks and might do more harm than good. Here’s why self-diagnosis is not advisable.
1. Lack of Expertise and Training
Diagnosing mental health conditions is a complex process that requires extensive training. Psychologists in Australia, must complete an undergraduate degree taking four years, an accredited postgraduate qualification which can take between two and four years, and supervised practice for two years (Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency AHPRA). This equips them with the skills to interpret symptoms within a broader context, distinguish between similar conditions, and avoid misdiagnoses.
Self-diagnosis, by contrast, often relies on generic online checklists or anecdotal evidence. This approach lacks the nuance to differentiate between disorders with overlapping symptoms, such as depression and bipolar disorder or anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
2. Risks of Misdiagnosis
When individuals self-diagnose, they may incorrectly label themselves with a condition they don’t have. This can lead to:
- Inappropriate self-treatment: Using ineffective or harmful remedies based on an incorrect assumption.
- Overlooking serious conditions: Attributing severe symptoms to the wrong cause, delaying appropriate intervention.
- Increased anxiety: Misinterpreting normal behaviour or mild symptoms as severe mental illness.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests seeking help if you have had symptoms for two weeks.
3. The Influence of Cognitive Biases
Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, can skew self-diagnosis. When someone searches for information online, they are likely to focus on symptoms that confirm their suspicions while ignoring contradicting evidence. This selective approach can reinforce inaccurate conclusions.
4. The Role of Professionals
Mental health professionals utilize standardized diagnostic tools, comprehensive assessments, and clinical judgment honed through years of training and experience. They also consider factors like medical history, family background, and cultural context, which self-diagnosis might easily overlook.
5. Harm to Mental Health Advocacy
The proliferation of self-diagnosed labels on social media can dilute the understanding of serious mental health conditions, trivializing the experiences of those genuinely affected. It also undermines the legitimacy of professional mental health diagnoses.
6. What to Do Instead
If you’re experiencing symptoms that concern you:
- Seek professional help: Contact a psychologist, psychiatrist, or general practitioner for an evaluation.
- Use online resources responsibly: Check for reputable sources like
- Healthdirect‘s information and advice are developed and managed within a rigorous clinical governance framework.
- Beyond Blue use information based on research and are funded by the government.
- The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in the U.S. provide information designed to encourage professional consultation, not self-diagnosis.
Summary
While the internet is a valuable tool for raising awareness, it cannot replace the expertise of trained professionals. If you’re worried about your mental health, reaching out to a qualified expert is the best course of action to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. At the Centre for Clinical Psychology our team of experienced psychologists are here to help you overcome your challenges and improve your wellbeing. Book an appointment today by calling 03 9077 0122
References
Health direct https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-resources
Beyond blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Caring for Your Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) My Mental Health: Do I Need Help? https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/my-mental-health-do-i-need-help
AHPRA https://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Registration/General.aspx
Basch CH, Donelle L, Fera J, Jaime C. Deconstructing TikTok Videos on Mental Health: Cross-sectional, Descriptive Content Analysis. JMIR Form Res. 2022 May 19;6(5):e38340. doi: 10.2196/38340. PMID: 35588057; PMCID: PMC9164092.
